Nate Danielson's debut didn't go as plan (no fault to him)
It was not a great introduction to the Grand Rapids Griffins in either game for Danielson as the Grand Rapids Griffins didn't put their best foot forward.
Danielson took a morning skate with the team, but didn’t practice with them ahead of game 2 of the series. It was a big ask of a young player. To center the third line with his wingers consisting of Elmer Söderblom and Taro Hirose, he had some help but the center’s position is a tough spot. His linemates in game 2 of the series were (and still are) trying to find their scoring touch this postseason.
Here are a few highlights of Danielson’s performance:
Great forechecking pressure here from Nate Danielson causing Milwaukee to make a mistake and turn it over#GoGRG #LGRW #CalderCup pic.twitter.com/17bMCBpiLD
— X - Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) May 21, 2024
A couple Nate highlights here. #GoGRG #LGRW pic.twitter.com/uOIf37ZzDl
— X - Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) May 21, 2024
Danielson didn’t look out of place, all things considered, and I suspect he will improve dramatically with more practice time. I’d still love to see Danielson with a guy like Amadeus Lombardi, but Hirose and Söderblom are great in their own rights.
Game 2 saw Hirose swapped out for veteran forward Matt Luff. A shift or two saw Jonatan Berggren and Carter Mazur, which was a fun sight. When things aren’t clicking on the scoreboard, it’s always refreshing to see some line juggling. (Special teams likely played a role in this choice as well.)